Project summary:
I helped to redesign SSGI’s website www.ssgi.se Svenska Soka Gakkai International (SSGI). Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is an organization with 12 million members around the world, it exists today in 192 countries. SGI has embraced Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, a dynamic philosophy grounded in daily life. Buddhist practice builds inner strength and leads to "human revolution", i.e. personal development through inner change. It enables each individual to take responsibility for his life and contribute to creating a world where people of different cultures and faith orientations can coexist in peace.
The problem:
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The current website was not active.
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The information is out of date.
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Poor technical support for editor/leader to update the website.
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The users' GUI (Graphical user interface) and functions were not user-friendly and only a few leaders who have access to the website and the knowledge to use it, therefore it has been a major obstacle to keeping the website up to date.
The solutation:
We will focus on "customer analysis", the user's benefit and that the website will succeed in introducing Buddhism and SGI to people. In order to achieve this goal, we have prepared several different usability tests. For instance, expert evaluation, interview for both new people and members of different ages, a quality survey.
The goal:
To launch a fresh and updated modern website which
• Encourages new people to know more about SGIand Buddhism
• Is a means of introducing new members
• Is an easy-to-use aid for SGI's organization and members for information, planning and studies
Design process:
I am currently working on optimisation the website and conduct variety usability testing with mobile first adaptive design and continuously keep the Cast Study up-to-date
Quality survey
We sent survey to all members in Sweden and we got 26 responses with the popular age group between 30-39 years old. The popular features / theme that users want to visit such as Buddhism, What is SSGI and Top Ten Questions. And they wants improve the communcation on the new, publication and events. many have also left additional comments that enriched our research.
Content ideas and Site map
I met with supervisors and project owners regularly to keep them updated and get feedback. The goal for the project was clear and part of the task was completed before the project began. New material, I and the supervisor had divided the responsibility for by contacting various members and leaders in SSGI to get help with the translations already last year. At the same time I collected translations for new content.
Wireframe
Created the first wireframe and simple prototype for user test, revision of Wireframes and it was rewarding to get feedback from the target groups. They think that a website that you can refer new members to and that existing members can actually use in their daily practice. Clarity is extremely important and that all options on the website have been thought through carefully, so that it is as user-friendly and possible. It must be updated and must support external and internal communication.
Depth interview
An interviews was held with two people from the target group, a 30-year-old woman who is a new member and a 40-year-old woman who is a district leader I have recorded a short video and pictures. They like the website a lot, the navigation is good and it is logical. The website was clear and stylish, which made you feel relaxed. Regarding colors on the website, they wanted a light tone with pastel colors that give a harmonious feel.
Distance interview
Remote interviews for target groups from Gothenburg & Malmö. I have written instructions and several questions. They think the page is good, both navigation content and structure. With a little nice layout, it will be great.
Expert elevation
Meanwhile I met our IT technician to support the project and to do an expert evaluation. For instance, consistency about the maintenance of a website and how we can make it easier to teach other people who can keep the website up to date. I got to experiment on a new function about Wordpress feed, that you can write posts from your own e-mail. Also, I should think about developing the site for mobile as well. I made a prototype that presents the ideas and how they should look on different screens.
The iteration and the final design
After a few years of practice of use on the new website. In 2018, I redesign based on feedback from users and transform the website to Drupal which the platform has advanced settings to create multiple roles for access to the website and different permission for members only pages.
